The Tharu people are an ethnic group who have lived in Sauraha and various other areas of the Terai region of Nepal for generations. Despite facing many challenges over the years, the Tharu people have managed to preserve their unique culture and traditions, which include music, dance, and food. Tharu society is traditionally organized around clans and extended families. They have a strong sense of community and are known for their hospitality and generosity. The Tharu people have a number of traditional practices that are passed down through generations, including dance, music, and storytelling. They also have a strong tradition of herbal medicine and use a variety of plant-based remedies to treat ailments. In this article, we will take a closer look at the fascinating Tharu culture, their cuisines and their relationship with nature at Sauraha.

Tharu Culture

The Tharu people have their own language, known as Tharu or Tharuhat. It is a language isolate, which means it is not related to any other known language. However, many Tharu people also speak Nepali or Hindi. Music and dance are an important part of Tharu culture. They have a rich tradition of folk music, which is accompanied by instruments such as the Madal (a type of drum), Sarangi (a bowed string instrument), and bansuri (a type of flute). Tharu people also perform a variety of traditional dances, including the Bagh Chal dance, which is inspired by the movements of tigers and hunters.

Tharu houses are traditionally made from locally available materials such as mud, bamboo, and thatch. These houses often have a distinct architectural style, with a raised platform and a sloping roof. Tharu architecture is distinct from that of other Nepali ethnic groups. The houses are often decorated with intricate wood carvings and paintings. Tharu culture has been influenced by a variety of religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. Many Tharu people practice a syncretic blend of these religions, which incorporates elements of both. The majority of Tharu people practice Hinduism, although there are also some who practice Buddhism or animism.

Tharu people are primarily engaged in agriculture, with rice being a staple crop. They have developed sophisticated irrigation systems to manage the monsoon rains and are skilled at cultivating a variety of crops in the challenging Terai environment. Fishing is an important part of Tharu culture and plays a vital role in their food and economic systems. Near Chitwan National Park area and other mossy wetlands of the Terai region fish is an integral part of their delicacy. The fishing techniques used by the Tharu people are a testament to their ingenuity and resourcefulness in adapting to their environment. Tharu people use nets, traps and a long fishing line with hooks to catch fish. They also practice traditional Kothi fishing, Hada fishing as well as make use of Killat (a poision) to stun fish. It’s worth noting that some of these techniques are now illegal in Nepal due to their impact on the environment and fish populations. However, they continue to be used by some Tharu people who rely on fishing for their livelihood.

Tharu Cuisine

Tharu cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients. It’s heavily influenced by the agricultural practices of the Terai region and incorporates a lot of rice, lentils, and vegetables. Meat is also an important part of the Tharu diet, with buffalo, chicken, and fish being popular choices. Here are some popular Tharu dishes:

• Dhikri: These are dumplings made from rice flour and stuffed with meat or vegetables. They can be served either boiled or fried and are often eaten with tomato chutney or meat curry.
• Gundruk: This is a fermented leafy vegetable that is commonly used in Tharu cooking. It has a tangy, slightly sour flavor and is often eaten as a side dish.
• Sikarni: This is a sweet yogurt dessert made with cardamom, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s a popular dish during festivals and celebrations.
• Masaura: These are sun-dried lentil cakes that are often used to make a soup or curry. They’re made by soaking lentils overnight, grinding them into a paste, and then shaping the paste into small cakes and drying them in the sun.
• Bhatmas Sadeko: This is a spicy roasted soybean snack that’s often served as an appetizer or snack. The soybeans are roasted with spices such as cumin, chili, and turmeric and are then mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chili.
• Fish Curry: This is a popular Tharu dish made with fish, spices, and tomatoes. It’s often served with rice and is a staple in Tharu cuisine.
• Bhang: This is a traditional Tharu drink made from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. It’s usually consumed during festivals and celebrations.

Overall, Tharu cuisine is a unique and flavorful representation of the culture and traditions of the Terai region.

Tharu people and Sauraha

The Tharu people have a long and complex history in Sauraha. Prior to the establishment of the Chitwan National Park in 1973, the Tharu people were the primary inhabitants of the region, living in small villages and practicing subsistence agriculture. In the mid-20th century, the Nepalese government initiated a number of conservation programs in the region, including the creation of Chitwan National Park, which was designed to protect the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and other wildlife. As part of this process, the Tharu people were forcibly relocated from their traditional lands and homes within the park boundaries, causing significant upheavaland displacement.

Despite these challenges, the Tharu people, at Sauraha, have continued to maintain a strong connection to the Chitwan National Park and its wildlife. Many Tharu communities have been involved in conservation efforts in the park, working with government officials and international organizations to protect endangered species and their habitats. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts, and the Tharu people have been increasingly involved in park management and decision-making processes. This has helped to promote greater understanding and collaboration between conservation organizations and local communities, and has helped to build a more sustainable future for the Chitwan National Park region.

Tharu culture is a rich and complex tapestry that reflects the history, geography, and way of life of this unique ethnic group. Their traditional practices, religion, architecture, dress, agriculture, social organization, and conservation efforts all contribute to their rich cultural heritage. The Tharu people have a diverse cultural heritage, with music, dance, and food being an integral part of their traditions. Their cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients, making it a must-try for any foodie visiting Sauraha. If you ever get the chance to visit Sauraha or Chitwan National Park region, the Tharu culture and their delicious cuisine will certainly be learning opportunity of your life. Tharu, the indigenous people of these lands.